If you are suffering from a deep depression that is negatively impacting your life in a significant way than you should be thinking about taking antidepressants. We live in a marvelous day and age where we have so many options available to us one available just a few decades ago and we should take advantage of that if we can. With this being said I understand if you have any doubts. Depression medication has been stigmatized over the years and for some it is even seen as a marker shame. What you need to know is that millions of people just like you take antidepressants and many of those feel that they have greatly improved the quality of life. I can’t tell you if you should be taking antidepressants or not, that questions between you and your Dr. Why can say is that you should look at the option if you are suffering from a serious depression. So please take some time to see if you would benefit from a drug like Prozac.

Prozac is a Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, a type of antidepressant that works on the idea that depression is caused by chemical imbalance in your brain. Your brain is made up of a complex series of chemical reactions, and if in error happens anywhere in these chemical reactions you could be feeling the effects. Prozac targets the chemical serotonin, which is linked to mood.

If you think Prozac might be right for you the first thing you need to do is to your doctor Depression is a serious medical condition and requires a trained medical professional to treat it. You will need a doctor in order to get a prescription for Prozac, but you never know what might happen in conversation, you and your doctor might discover there is a better option for you. The only way to know for sure is to go out there and set up an appointment.

If you do get the prescription you might get Prozac and any number of forms, either solid or liquid. Whatever form you get you can take it orally with or without food. How often you take the medication varies widely the penning of the form, the important thing is that you follow the Dr.’s prescription carefully, doing exactly as you are told. No more, no less. It should be noted that Prozac takes a while to take effect, you have to give it time. While it is true that for some the drug will have no positive effect you can only be sure after 4 to 5 weeks. Talk to your Dr. every step, it might be that you just need a higher dose or an alternative method might be better for you. It is in times of uncertainty that a medical professional’s advice is most necessary.

As with any medication Prozac comes with its side effects and potential dangers. Iif after taking Prozac you find yourself developing a rash, hives or even seizures it is important that you contact your Dr. as soon as possible because you might be experiencing an uncommon but serious reaction. It is also incredibly important to note that for some Prozac actually makes depression worse. This is most common in young people who take the drug. If after taking Prozac you notice an even deeper depression, especially suicidal thoughts, you need to get a hold of your doctor as soon as possible.

There is no one answer to depression. Everyone suffers differently and everyone requires different treatments. With that being said Prozac was helped so many people out there child through depression and it might be of help you. If you think you might need an antidepressant like Prozac you need to talk to your doctor and you two can work out whether or not it would be right for you. The important thing is that you try something and you never give up. Just remember that you can beat this, you can overcome deep depression.

When it comes to your health you have to be vigilant. If you feel a cough coming on it’s best that but in the bud before it develops into something worse and if you’re treatments fail it’s a good sign that you should see a professional about the problem. If this is what we do for our physical health it should also be what we do for mental health. If the problem is left untreated there is a good chance that might develop into something worse. Your mental health is just as important as her physical health, even if your body is that it’s peak if your mind is at a low it is impossible to enjoy life. With this in mind know that you can go a long ways towards preventing serious mental health problems by seeking help as soon as you see the for symptoms. With this in mind when you look at some of the symptoms of deep depression, so if you find yourself experiencing any of these please do what’s right and get help as soon as possible.

One hallmark sign of oncoming depression is a persistent sadness. We all have said times the lives and we can be happy all day everyday. This is the fact of the human experience. However, if you find your mood is consistently down it might be more than just your average sad day. You want to pay attention to the severity and duration of your sadness. For example, if it is a crippling sadness that rings your day to a screeching halt that’s a definite red flag up that you might need help. Likewise if you find yourself in a consistently bad mood for weeks at a time you need to note this isn’t a problem that will most likely go away on its own.

It’s not just mental signs that you need to look out for, depression also affects us physically. We under estimate the power of mine has over our bodies greatly, and so it only makes sense that if your mind is doing badly your body will follow suit. If you find yourself suddenly drained of energy inexplicably it might be a sign depression. If you find yourself unable to do even the simplest tasks because of the new found a version for any sort of physical exertion you need to check yourself.

It also must be said that if you have any suicidal thoughts you are clearly suffering from some kind of mental health issue. Life is a gift we have to think of it that way, where we find ourselves when to throw it away we should know that there is something wrong with the situation. Know that if you are having the sort of thoughts there is nothing wrong with you as a person, many people have gone through it, including some of the most successful people on the planet. The important thing is that you get through it, just know that there is hope on the other side. If you find yourself thinking about ending your life please see a mental health professional as soon as possible.

If you find yourself dealing with any of the symptoms there is a chance that you are suffering from depression, but if you’re dealing with more than one symptom it’s a sign that you need to deal with the problem now before it develops into a deep depression. The good thing is that if you find out about your problem sooner rather than later it will be easier to solve, you need to cut this out of your life before it takes root. If you are suffering from the symptoms please see a mental health professional like a psychiatrist as soon as possible so you can find the solution that is right for you.

Another form of anxiety disorder that is becoming more commonly known is post traumatic stress disorder or PSTD. It is most associated with people who have served in an arm of the military, but it can affect anyone. If a person has experienced a traumatic event in their life, they can develop a form of PSTD. The traumatic event may have happened directly to the person or been witnessed. It involved the threat of loss of life or extreme physical danger. The feeling of fear that was experienced at the time was overwhelming. Examples of events that can cause PSTD are: combat, terror strikes, violent crimes, serious accidents, or natural disasters.

The event causes a person to feel confused, scared, and/or angry. When the feelings increase or do not subside over time. then PSTD can be a potential outcome. There are a few symptoms that occur after this kind of life altering event:
•constant memories of the event either nightmares or flashbacks
•feeling upset about or reliving the event
•avoidance of anything or anyone that reminds one of the event
•feeling of being in harm’s way all the time
•feeling apathetic or numb to everything and everyone around
•unexplained anxiousness
•difficulty sleeping

A person suffering from PSTD changes their outlook on life and how they live it. They often turn to drugs and alcohol to self-medicate and numb its effects. They exhibit symptoms of other anxiety disorders like social anxiety disorder and panic disorder. They push away the ones that they love and try to isolate themselves from the world. Depression sets in as well. Adults and children can suffer from this type of anxiety disorder.

The key to PSTD is early treatment. If you feel you are suffering from this disorder or someone you know is, you need to seek professional medical and mental health assistance right away. You may also seek the counsel of close friends, religious leaders, or find a support group. Counseling and medication are the avenues of treatment for this type of anxiety disorder. Counseling can help the person with PSTD learn to cope with the traumatic event. They can help the person learn to deal with the effects that it is having on them and how to rejoin regular everyday life. Cognitive-behavior therapy is the cornerstone of this approach. Antidepressants can be prescribed to help the PSTD sufferer deal with the constant worry that comes with the disorder.

Though it is typical to only hear about the bad outcomes that can be associated with PSTD, the good news is that through treatment and support a person can learn to deal with the disorder and regain control of their life again.

A third type of anxiety disorder is social anxiety disorder. It is linked to phobia and is also referred to as social phobia disorder. In this form of anxiety disorder, a person has anxiety related to a social situation. Increased nervousness and self consciousness arises. The fear of being observed, critiqued, or scrutinized becomes unbearable.

The biggest fear that a person with social anxiety disorder fears is being embarrassed or humiliated while others look on. Often people with this disorder have a lack of social skills and this can increase the fear that they have that they will make a mistake while in the presence of others. Because of this fear, a person with this type of disorder may shun any kind of social setting just to avoid what they perceive to be the inevitable dire consequence. This is caused by the anticipatory anxiety that they feel even thinking about attending a social event.

The fear that comes with social anxiety disorder is obviously irrational – even to the person experiencing it. Distorted thinking, false beliefs, and negative opinions all add to the irrational fear. If the disorder is not addressed, it can affect a person’s entire life on a daily basis.

Usually, a person with social anxiety disorder exhibits a fear of a specific situation. The most common social phobia would be having to speak in front of a group. This type of fear though may be built upon. Several social situations could combine and cause fear and anxiety for a person. These situations also become part of the disorder:
•fear of being at the center of attention
•eating/drinking in front of other people
•use of public toilets
•public telephone use
•working around others
•asking questions

Again a person dealing with social anxiety disorder can also be dealing with other anxiety disorders like phobia, panic disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder not yet discussed. Depression can also develop for a person affected by this form of disorder.

Something feels wrong to people with social anxiety disorder, but they can’t figure out what. There are a few symptoms that you could be experiencing if this disorder affects you. Intensified and increasing anxiety over a social situation is the main symptom. Avoiding social situations is the next effect and symptom of the disorder. There are physical symptoms that can arise because of the anxiety felt during the active time of the disorder: These could include:
•confusion
•anxiety
•shaking
•sweating
•rapid heart rate
•muscle tightening
•blushing
•diarrhea
•upset stomach

Children with the disorder may cling to a parent, throw fits, or cry when faced with a fear social situation. Yes, children and adults can suffer from social anxiety disorder. Often the seeds for the disorder are planted during childhood and worsen, if untreated, over time. This disorder is the most common of all the anxiety disorders and is said to be dealt with by nineteen million people in the United States alone. It is also considered to be the third most common mental disorder just after depression and alcoholism. Again, women suffer from it more than men.

There are three main factors that can be traced to social anxiety disorder: biology, psychology, and environment. For biological causes, one can look at an imbalance in the neurotransmitter serotonin. If this chemical delivery system in the brain is unbalanced, it can cause a person to not be able to deal with stress properly. When a stressful situation comes up, a person with this imbalance may develop social anxiety disorder. Family history may also play a biological role. The disorder could be passed by generations.

Psychological reasons for social anxiety disorder could be as simple as experiencing a humiliating or embarrassing scene in a social situation in the past. This can lay the ground work for the fear of another embarrassing scene happening again. Environmental factors go hand in hand with the psychological ones. When in a social situation if a person observes another person being laughed at or criticized, it could bring out a fear that they could be in a similar situation one day. Often over-protected, sheltered children grow into adults with social anxiety disorder because they do not learn to handle social situations properly.

In the case of other anxiety disorders, a diagnosis of social anxiety disorder is done by a medical professional after ruling out physical causes for symptoms. Then a trip to the mental health professional is recommended. Interview and assessments are employed to diagnose the issue. Duration and intensity of the symptoms experienced are explored as well as problems associated with dealing with the symptoms.

If you receive the diagnosis that you are dealing with social anxiety disorder, there are treatments that you can pursue. Again, cognitive therapy and/or medication are the avenues a person takes when trying to control this disorder. Cognitive behavior therapy is designed to help the person with social anxiety disorder to develop a more rational response to social situations. Visualization, imagery, and desensitization are all techniques employed during this type of treatment. As the treatment progresses, the person with the disorder is gradually exposed to real social situations until they can better control their reactions to them. For treatment through medication, antidepressants are again prescribed. They help minimize the physical side effects of social anxiety disorder and can be used to help a person get through the techniques of cognitive behavior therapy.

Self-esteem, social skills, and stress management are the main areas that a person with social anxiety disorder can improve. By seeking treatment, people with this type of anxiety disorder can learn to overcome it. Because this disorder seems to occur out of nowhere realistic, it is hard to prevent. That should not cause fear though since it is the most treatable of all the identified anxiety disorders.

The main characteristics of generalized anxiety disorder are excessive and exaggerated anxiety and or worry about ordinary everyday events in life. People dealing with this disorder are waiting for the worst to happen. They anticipate disaster around every corner. They worry about many things. Health, family, work, school, and money are often the main areas of concern. Worrying becomes unrealistic or disproportionate to the situation for a person experiencing generalized anxiety disorder. Over time, this type of anxiety overtakes every aspect of the person’s life and hinders their daily life.

A person with generalized anxiety disorder can experience some or all of these symptoms. People with this disorder can also be dealing with other anxiety disorders like panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and phobia. Depression can also be experienced and many people with this disorder turn to alcohol or drugs to manage it.

While it is not known what causes generalized anxiety disorder, many of the contributing factors have been identified. Genetics can determine whether a person will develop this type of anxiety disorder. A family history should be explored when looking at this type. Along the lines of genetics is brain chemistry. Abnormal levels of some neurotransmitters can be seen as a cause for generalized anxiety disorder. Finally, the environment can be a factor. Stress or trauma because of an event can lead to this type of anxiety or exasperate it if it already exists.

Generalized anxiety disorder is actually the most common form of anxiety experienced. It is thought that four million people in the United States deal with this disorder. If you experience the symptoms of this disorder, it is best to seek a medical professional’s evaluation and opinion. If the symptoms or anxiety is consistent and lasts at least six months, then a diagnosis can be made. If a physical explanation can be ruled out, then a person dealing with this disorder would be referred to a mental health professional for assistance.

Medication and or cognitive-behavior therapy are the most common ways to treat generalized anxiety disorder. The purpose of this medication is to calm the nerves. They tend to be antidepressants. Cognitive-behavior therapy helps a person learn to recognize the patterns and behaviors that cause the anxiety that they feel. Through this therapy, the person learns to deal with and control the anxiety that they feel. It is important to note that a person can become addicted to antidepressants – so this form of treatment needs to be entered into with caution.

So is there hope for a person with generalized anxiety disorder? Though a cure is not possible, the good news is that this disorder can be controlled. Relief from the symptoms can be achieved. The next question is can this disorder be prevented? The answer here is no, but symptoms can be controlled. Caffeine consumption should be limited; healthy exercise and diet should be followed; and stress management techniques should be practiced.

Anxiety – it is an emotion felt by everyone at one time or another. There are moments where you may feel anxious or nervous in the face of stressful situations. You may have a job interview coming up, have to take an exam, or have a night out on a blind date. Whatever the situation, it can cause stress and possibly make you feel uneasy. That is common everyday anxiety. It is the kind of anxiety that most people have and can be managed.

For some people anxiety can be far more debilitating. There are anxiety disorders that can cause so much stress for the person affected that they find it difficult to function in their daily life. Anxiety disorders are considered a mental illness. This in itself can cause anxiety. The good news about this label, though, is that there is help available for someone suffering.

A person with an anxiety disorder may feel constant nervousness, apprehension, fear and worry. A person’s behavior is affected and they can exhibit physical symptoms as well.

If you have the type of anxiety that will not go away or that causes you trouble in your everyday life, you may have an anxiety disorder. This kind of anxiety can cause you difficulty while you are awake and even when you are asleep.

There are several types of anxiety disorders. It is helpful to know what one you may have to determine which one you may have to be treated effectively. Knowledge really is power and it can lead to the right treatment and prevention for you. The main types of anxiety disorders are:
•generalized anxiety disorder
•panic disorder
•phobia
•social anxiety disorder
•obsessive-compulsive disorder
•post traumatic stress disorder
•separation anxiety disorder

Let’s look at each type of anxiety disorder in order to better understand what they entail and help you see what you may be dealing with and the help that is available.

Generic Lexapro – Escitalopram is an oral drug that is used to treat Major Depressive Disorder [MDD] in adults and children above 12, as well as Generalized Anxiety Disorder [GAD] in adults. Escitalopram belongs to a group of drugs called Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors [SSRIs], and it works on the neurotransmitters of the brain, which relay messages to the nerves.

Neurotransmitters are released by nerves in the brain and then travel to other nearby nerves where they get attached to receptors on those nerves. Some neurotransmitters that are released do not bind to receptors, but travel back and get reattached to the nerves that produced them, causing a “reuptake”. Serotonin is one such neurotransmitter, and experts believe that when its reuptake occurs, the chemical balance in the brain gets affected, producing feelings of depression, or anxiety.

Generic Escitalopram is a very potent SSRI; it successfully blocks the reuptake of Serotonin into the neuron. Due to this prevention, higher levels of Serotonin are available to the brain, which leads to a lessening of depression or anxiety in the patient, and calmness returns.

When depression extends over 2 weeks and exhibits at least 5 disturbing symptoms, it is considered to be symptomatic of MDD. These may comprise of:- depressed mood, disinterest in normal activities, significant change in appetite and/or weight, feeling extremely tired, sleeping less or excessively, feeling agitated, impaired concentration or slow thinking, feeling of guilt or worthlessness, thinking of suicide or an attempt to commit suicide.

GAD results when a patient suffers from extreme, uncontrollable anxiety, or worry, which lasts for 6 months. It includes at least 3 of the following symptoms:- feeling on edge or restless, getting tired easily, the mind going blank when one needs to concentrate, feeling of irritation, muscular tension, and disturbed sleep.

An overdose of Generic Escitalopram, or if it is taken in combination with medications like MAOIs, Tryptan, other serotonergic drugs, or other medications, can lead to a condition called Serotonin Syndrome, or Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome, with fatal results.

Even after a course of this medicine gets over, a person will have to wait for 2 weeks before beginning treatment with medicines like MAOIs or Nefazodone; or, after treatment with a MAOI drug is over, then too the patient has to wait for 2 weeks before beginning Lexapro therapy.

All medicines have side effects. Caution has to be exercised with all antidepressant medicines since it concerns depression – and extreme anxiety – which itself leads to thoughts of suicide. Children, adolescents, and even young adults over 24 years who take treatment with [or any antidepressant] are more likely to experience symptoms of suicidal ideation, worsening of depression, panic attacks, aggressive behavior, extreme restlessness, frenzied excitement, insomnia, or impulsive behavior. Generic Lexapro is not recommended for treating Bipolar Disorder.

Patients who start on Escitalopram therapy have to be carefully watched to observe if they show any sudden or new symptoms of depression, anxiety, irritability, restlessness, panic or if there is a worsening of earlier symptoms, and this should be immediately reported to the treating doctor.

It is recommended that pregnant or lactating women do not take this medicine. Alcohol should not be consumed with Lexapro therapy, as it causes drowsiness; and those who drive or perform risky activities should not do so until they know how the medicine affects them and are sure of handling its effect. It has to be administered in low doses to the elderly. Before going for a surgery, even if it is a dental procedure, do not forget to inform the surgeon/dentist that you are taking this medicine.

There are many other conditions in which this medicine cannot be taken, and it also interacts with other medicines. Your physician will be able to give you exact information, when you tell the doctor about your health condition and all medicines being taken by you.

The dosage differs for adults and children. The medicine should be taken as prescribed by the doctor. Cheap Lexapro is available in tablet formulations of 5mg, 10mg and 20mg. A single dose of this medicine has to be taken, once daily, either in the morning or evening.It can be taken regardless of food. The medicine takes at least 1 week to work and can take up to 4 weeks to give relief.Before embarking on therapy with an antidepressant, you [or your parent] must discuss the risks and benefits of treatment with that drug, with the psychiatrist.While on Generic Lexapro therapy, remember to carry a list of all medicines [prescription & OTC] and all nutritional supplements or herbal products you take, at all times; it will come in handy when you meet your doctor, or if you ever need to be admitted to a hospital.

Lexapro is one of the most commonly prescribed medications for the treatment of depression and its symptoms. Depression usually occurs from an unbalanced chemical structure within the brain when it does not produce enough Serotonin. Serotonin is the chemical resposible for regulating thought patterns and emotions, and when it is scarce the result is usually a state of depression. Lexapro is a SSRI(selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor) which works by inhibiting the reuptake of Serotonin. This leaves more than enough Serotonin for brain function, and usually brings the individual out of a state of depression after a week or so.

Be very weary when taking drugs, so the best thing to do is to always converse with your doctor. Every drug has its side effects and these are unpredictable. Some side effects include decrease in sexual urge and failure to have an orgasm, difficulty to ejaculate, fatigue, insomnia, diaphoresis (increased sweating) and nausea. If any of this manifest, consult your doctor immediately. He knows what?s best for you.

As with any antidepressant, you could experience some side effects while taking Lexapro. These can last anywhere from 4 weeks to a few months. During clinical trials with test groups, several common side effects were seen from taking Lexapro. These include but are not limited to the following: inability to have an orgasm, lack of sex drive, insomnia, drowsiness, insomnia, and restlessness.

Depression and anxiety syndrome often go hand in hand. Depression and anxiety syndrome at first glance look like the opposite of the disease. We think: depression depletes our strength, a syndrome of anxiety makes us inflated and frightened. Depression does not give you the opportunity to climb out of bed, anxiety does not give you fall asleep.

However, it is actually not so simple. In fact, depression and anxiety syndrome often accompany each other. Experts say that most of the patients with depression are also diagnosed with anxiety syndrome.

Unfortunately, the combination of depression and anxiety syndrome pose a very serious illness and many people are far from exact diagnosis. However, currently there are many effective treatments for both diseases.

In the case of the simultaneous appearance of depression and anxiety syndrome, doctors prescribe a drug from the group of selective reuptake inhibitors – Lexapro. Numerous researches have shown that Lexapro drugs are the most safe and simple in use.

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, in particular Lexapro, have been released in the mid-80’s. Today they Lexapro is the most demanded one in the treatment of depression. In order to start treatment with Lexapro you do not need to follow a special diet. This medication is safe even for patients with cardiovascular diseases, including heart arrhythmia and drops in blood pressure. Side effects are minor, although their expression is individually.

It is very rare that when you buy Lexapro online or from a local medical store, it will cause any severe side effects. However, if after commencing its prescribed medication course, you begin to experience an itching sensation, skin rashes, severe dizzy spells, etc you should speak with your health care professional right away.
You must contact your health care professional if you experience any of the side effects caused by Lexapro that have been mentioned below, for it may cause side effects, such as
Flatulence, constipation, heartburn or an upset stomach
Weakness, drowsiness, severe headaches, a confused state of mind or fainting spells
Changes in weight, yawning, impotence, dry mouth or ringing in the ears
Rigid or very stiff muscles, overactive reflexes, high fever or body tremors
Irritability, agitation, hostility, restlessness, aggression or feeling hyperactive

Notes and Precautions

It may take approximately 4 weeks for it to start taking effect completely. Do not abruptly discontinue its course without first speaking with your health care professional. Abrupt discontinuation may cause you to experience certain side effects.
Consult your health care professional before taking Lexapro if you are already on a prescribed medication course of other medications, such as Selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam), Tranylcypromine (Parnate), Isocarboxazid (Marplan), Rasagiline (Azilect) or Phenelzine (Nardil).
Before beginning to take the prescribed course, inform the health care professional if you have ever experienced any past illnesses or if you are presently suffering from some health issues, such as suicidal thoughts, kidney complications, epilepsy (seizure attacks), liver complications, manic depression (bipolar disorder) or drug abuse.
While on your prescribed medication course of this depression medication, inform your health care professional if you have worsening symptoms of depression or suicidal thoughts.
If you plan to get pregnant or have already conceived, do not discontinue the course without informing your health care professional first.
This medication passes into breast milk. So, mothers must not breast feed their infant if they are taking it, unless the doctor has advised otherwise